Chester VFD prepares new business venture

September 20, 2010

CHESTER - It's not unusual to see some construction along U.S. Route 30 in Hancock County, but the storage buildings going up have an unusual owner - the Chester Volunteer Fire Department.

According to fire department Chief John Hissam, the department owns the land and is the developer.

"We're putting up 88 storage buildings, or storage garages, for rent along U.S. Route 30," Hissam said. "It's called 'Station 6 Storage' and we hope to be up and running by November."

In Hancock County, the Chester Volunteer Fire Department is identified as Station 6.

"It is a long term project to make the fire department functional for an eternity as long as we keep moving ahead the way we are going," Hissam predicted. "It's a way that the fire department can sustain itself without draining the taxpayers constantly."

All revenue from the 88 rental units will flow directly to the fire department, providing a regular monthly income.

Part of the Fall Bash money helped finance the land purchase and current construction.

Right now, the Fall Bash provides about 95 percent of the department's annual revenue, and Hissam said the storage building rental income will just add to that revenue stream.

The department owns five acres in that area, and Hissam said additional storage units may come if the need is there.

"We will have an announcement when it's ready and open," Hissam said. "If it works, we will put another 100 (units) in when the time comes."

Hissam said he thinks the units will be rented out quickly.

"I think this is something that's in high demand, and this will be another way to generate revenue and help improve the department and help the entire community," Hissam said.